Our cherished 10yr old dobe Bonnie has developed a worrying symptom.For the last 5 days her RHS back leg does not want to function, and she will not let it carry her weight.Our excellent vet has taken blood tests and x-rays, he believes the problem to be neurological.A specialist will see her in 48hrs.I read with great interest the lins postings with regard to Jakes condition, as it is very comparable.My subject interest is alternative therapy for dogs.Should acupuncture be considered by us as a possible remedy for Bonnie, or is conventional medicine our only option?

Accupuncture is a non-invasive therapy and certainly won't do any harm. I had to done to a dog of mine, I would certainly try it again.
Dawn.

Like you, I'm very interested in complimentary medicine (mostly use homeopathy). I agree with Dawn, I don't think it would harm. I certainly don't think conventional is your only option. It may work wonders by itself but even if you decided to use your vets treatment Acupuncture would work alongside it. :)

Good luck, I'll be interested to see how it goes. :)

Kath.

A special thanks to Dawn and Kath for their replies to my "clutching at straws" posting.Myself, and stressed out Bonnie, have just returned to London from the Newmarket vet.Bonnie was examined by the neurology specialist,his findings were as follows; Neurological examination was suggestive of problem within the brain on the left called 'cavernous sinus syndrome',with the likely cause unfortunately being a brain tumour.Cavernous sinus syndrome would affect the nerves to and from the the limbs on the opposite side, thereby explaining the paralysis of the right hind limb.
MRI scanning confirmed the presence of a mass invading the left cavernous sinus, the appearance of the mass is consistent with a brain tumour and most likely represents cancer of the left optic nerve or a meningioma. Surgical treatment is not feasible and it is unlikely that radiation therapy or treatment with drugs will affect the survival. There is, however, little to be lost from starting treatment with a steroid, but this will only offer symptomatic treatment and it is unfortunately likely that Bonnie will need to be put to sleep in the near future(weeks up to a couple of months).

The results were shattering,I realise that our beloved pets are not bionic, and that death comes to us all,but that never seeing again feeling, leaves me emotionally drained every time.

I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to you. All I can suggest is take whatever the vet offers, try acupuncture alongside if you think it's right for her and make her as comfy as possible.

I've emailed you.

Kath. xx

:( Poor Bonnie. And poor you, too. :(

So very sorry to hear about Bonnie.
Thinking about you both.
Regards,
Linda

Tom,
I am so very sorry to read this, and can partly understand how you are feeling as I had tried to prepare myself for the worst when Jake had his scan earlier this week.
My heart goes out to you and Bonnie, try to enjoy the remaining time that you have together, and think of all the love that you have given each other during her time with you.
Give her a big hug from both me and Jake and we will be thinking of you.
I really am so very sorry
Lins

Many thanks to Kath,Jeangenie, and Linda for the sentiment shown.Very kind of you all.Bonnie has de-stressed,and not lost her appetite.Most importantly, she shows no sign of pain, or discomfort.These latter conditions will determine when her beautiful brown eyes will close for the final sleep.
Many thanks to all.
Tom

Glad she is feeling better,Tom. Be guided by her quality of life. You will know when the time has come, and in the meanwhile make the most of having her so that you will be able to look back with pleasure rather than remorse.

Hi Tom

I have just caught up with this thread - I hope Bonnie is still comfortable and living life to the fullest

Christine